A Safavid lavender-glazed pottery dish, Persia, 17th century

of shallow rounded form on a short foot with everted edges and moulded, fluted band near rim, covered in a bright lavender-glaze, underside with firing ring and marks, old collection label 'RRJC 605'

Ex-collection Richard Ronald John Copeland (1884-1958).
Acquired by the owner's father, Leonard Whiter from the above.
Thence by descent.

Director of Sales and Marketing at Spode from the early 1960s until 1974, Leonard Whiter was the author of Spode: A History of the Family, Factory and Wares from 1733 to 1833. Also a collector, he bought directly from the Spode museum and factory.

In overall good condition, intact, very minor hairline cracks to glaze, one with some associated discoloration, the rim with minor abrasion, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This beautiful Safavid lavender-glazed dish draws inspiration from multiple sources. Whereas the vessel itself is a Safavid imitation of Chinese celadon porcelain, the rounded, ribbed cavetto is a common design in both Safavid imitations and Chinese originals, which derives from earlier Persian metalwork. In metalwork, this feature adds durability and prevents the vessel from bending, but in pottery it is merely decorative.

Celadon wares were attributed magical qualities, notably that if they came into contact with poison, they would change colour or even break, thereby protecting their owner. As a result, Persian imitations of Chinese celadon continued to be produced long after their production had stopped in China. Comparable examples in multiple glazes are in the Al-Sabah Collection, Kuwait (Watson 2004, pp.464-5).